In line with its commitment to being “Inspired by Mission, Driven by Excellence,” Saint Mary’s University (SMU), through its Equivalency and Technical-Vocational Assessment Office (ETVAO), successfully conducted the Training Induction Program (TIP) for the 25 qualified scholars of the Health Care Services NC II course under the TESDA Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). The induction program was held on July 13, 2026, at the Fr. Gerry Bouckaert, CICM Conference Hall, located on the 5^th floor of the Dr. Alejandro R. Roces Building at Saint Mary’s University in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The event was attended by National TVET Health Sector trainers, university officials, TESDA representatives, and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) offices, who endorsed 20 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the 25 scholars.

With pride and admiration, Dr. Moises Alexander T. Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed the scholars and guests to Saint Mary’s University’s newest and most modern facility, the Dr. Alejandro R. Roces Building, particularly the Fr. Gerry Bouckaert Conference Hall. He explained that the building primarily serves as a laboratory facility for the university’s health-allied programs, making it an ideal venue for the conduct of the TIP prior to the scholars’ actual training in Health Care Services NC II.

Dr. Asuncion also challenged the scholars to maximize educational opportunities (if qualified in the future) such as Project ASCEND (Accelerated Social Work Credentialing and Equivalency for National Development), a collaborative initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program enables experienced community development workers who have not yet earned a college degree to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Social Work through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). As one of SMU’s academic offerings, the program provides a faster pathway toward earning a degree and obtaining professional licensure in social work.

In line with TESDA’s 2026 tagline, “Sa TESDA, Kayang Kaya,” Director Ben-hur B. Baniqued, Provincial Director of the TESDA Provincial Office in Nueva Vizcaya, encouraged the scholars to take their training seriously and remain committed to completing the program. He emphasized that acquiring the necessary skills and competencies would enable them to become more competitive in both local and international labor markets.

Director Baniqued further highlighted TESDA’s commitment to providing quality Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs that empower Filipinos to achieve their aspirations and contribute to national development. He added that TESDA’s broader mission is to uplift lives through education and skills development by ensuring that every Filipino has access to quality training opportunities that lead to gainful employment and sustainable livelihoods.

Ms. Mary Jane B. Garcia, RSW, OIC-Provincial Link of Nueva Vizcaya, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to SMU for opening its doors to 20 qualified beneficiaries to undergo the training in Health Care Services (HCS) NC II under the TWSP, as well as to TESDA Nueva Vizcaya for granting the scholarship. She emphasized the significance of these collaborative efforts in providing meaningful opportunities for skills development and empowerment among the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries. She added that these partnerships, strongly support the DSWD’s commitment to delivering “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo” by helping beneficiaries build their capacities and improve their prospects for a better future.

Getting to the heart of the program, the Lead Trainer, Mrs. Joan B. Taroma, oriented the scholars on the course overview, objectives of the Health Care Services (HCS) NC II program, and training expectations. Meanwhile, the current Head of ETVAO, Mrs. Gayle R. Mercado, discussed the school’s policies such as proper grooming, etiquettes outside and inside SMU, and training schedule to ensure that the scholars were well-informed and prepared for their training journey.

On the other hand, Mr. Ayton A. Belis, TESD Specialist II and Scholarship and Employment Focal Person of TESDA Nueva Vizcaya, provided an orientation on the objectives of the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the benefits available to scholars. Mr. Belis also introduced TESDA’s latest innovation in scholarship implementation, the TESDA Skills Passport, an all-in-one mobile application designed to help users manage certifications, access training opportunities, explore scholarship programs, and connect with employment opportunities across the Philippines.

To ensure that every scholar was properly registered and supported, Mr. Belis, together with Mr. Buccahan, an ETVAO staff member, personally guided the scholars through the registration process. They assisted each scholar individually, ensuring the accurate completion of registration requirements and successful enrollment in the TESDA Skills Passport system.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Gayle R. Mercado, Head of ETVAO, emphasized the Vision and Mission of Saint Mary’s University and encouraged the scholars to uphold the institution’s values throughout their training and beyond. She reminded them to take to heart the Marian motto, “Once a Marian, Always a Marian,” as a guiding principle in their personal and professional lives. Mrs. Mercado further encouraged the scholars to embody and practice the values they would learn during their training at SMU, carrying these ideals with them as they serve their communities and pursue their future careers.

The Training Induction Program concluded with enthusiasm and optimism as the scholars formally embarked on their Health Care Services NC II journey. Through the continued partnership between SMU and TESDA, the program reaffirms their shared commitment to equipping Filipinos with relevant skills, expanding educational opportunities, and empowering individuals toward meaningful employment and a better future.